how to fix slow computer

How to Speed up a Slow Running Computer or Laptop

When your sytem begins to slow down, and unresponsiveness and long load times become the norm, what's the best way to speed up a computer? Fixing computer lag problems can seem like a daunting proposition, but it's not. Our guide will show you how to fix a slow PC, with steps that can be done in minutes and instantly deliver lasting results.

We focus on Windows desktops in this article, but there are also ways of speeding up a Mac and laptop too.

1. Identify programs that slow down your computer

If you have programs that use a lot of memory, you need to decide if they're worth the resources they're using. These could be high-level apps, items that start automatically that you don't use, or a program you opened previously and have forgotten about. Removing these programs can help speed up a computer.

How programs use up your resources

Some programs use very few resources when they're idle. Others can use a lot of processing power and RAM, especially if they're checking the internet for updates or working on tasks. That leaves fewer resources for other programs to use. This can make switching between programs slow, and even data updates slow in some apps.

Remove unnecessary programs

To speed up a slow computer, close unnecessary programmes. To do this, press the Ctrl, Alt, and Delete. Select Task Manager. On the Processes tab, you can see what is open and how much of the CPU and memory it's using. You can then close programs that you are not using.

Windows 7 task manager pop-up window with lots of processes running

Disable start-up programs

Computers often have programs enabled that start when you power on the computer. Or, there are programs that were needed on the initial start-up, that aren't needed any longer. Disabling these can fix computer lag problems. To see what programs are starting when you turn on your computer, press the Ctrl, Alt, and Delete keys at the same time. Select Task Manager. On the Startup tab, you can see the items that are set to open as soon as you start the computer. Consider what you really need to open when you start up and disable the other programs.

2. Check your web browser and internet connection

If you notice that your computer is running slowly, check to make sure that you have the most recent version of your web browser. Although where the information varies by browser, there will be an About selection to show you the version number. If there is an option to install new versions automatically, enable it. Having too many add-ons and extensions can also slow your web browsing. Again, it depends on your browser, but you should be able to find a menu called Add-ons or Extensions that will allow you to delete any that you don't want.

3. Defragment your hard disk drive

Defragmenting, or defragging, your hard disk drive (HDD) can decrease the time it takes for the system to find each piece of data it needs to run programs and apps. Those pieces of data are stored on the hard disk before they're moved to RAM so the program can access them.

If you have an HDD (as opposed to a solid state drive), the system records data in small groups in various places on the disk. Over time, there can be different pieces of data that are all related, but they're spread out over the disk. It then takes longer for the system to find each piece of data. Defragmenting your disk will speed this process up. Find out more about defragmenting your hard drive.

To defrag your disk, click on the Start menu or Windows button, select Control Panel, then System and Security. Under Administrative Tools, click on Defragment your Hard Drive. You can select the process to run on a regular schedule, or you can click Analyze Disk and determine if the process needs to be run immediately.

Hand pointer hovers over the defragment your hard drive link in Windows 7's system and security pop-up window

4. Update hardware that can slow down your computer

Identifying hardware that might be due for an upgrade can not only make an older and slower computer feel new again, it can also be significantly more cost efficient than purchasing a new computer.

Two key pieces of hardware related to the speed of a computer are your storage drive and your memory. Too little memory, or using a hard disk drive, even if it's been defragmented recently, can slow a computer down.

5. Upgrade storage with a solid state drive

Your computer's storage drive is responsible for keeping the things you use every day, such as your operating system, programs, documents, pictures, and music. When it becomes out of date or slows down, it will make a noticeable impact in the performance of your computer.

Why an SSD helps speed up your computer

The key difference between a traditional hard drive and a solid state drive is the technology behind it. An HDD mechanically moves an actuator arm across a spinning platter to find each portion of data. An SDD, however, accesses the data digitally with flash memory chips. This allows SSDs to retrieve data like documents, images, and videos more quickly while using less power.

Portable SSDs such as the Crucial X8 are fairly new version of solid-state drives. Portable SSDs offer all the benefits of internal SSDs without the need to swap out the drive inside your computer. Plus, they can be used with multiple systems and devices.

Use Crucial® Advisor or System Scanner tool below to find the right SSD to speed up your system.

Crucial solid-state drive (SSD) installed in a computer

6. Add more memory (RAM)

Unlike programs or videos that are permanently stored on the storage drive, memory stores data that is currently being used, allowing it to be retrieved quickly, functioning as a pool of resources for your system to get things done.

Every time you do one of the following things, you're using memory:

Moving your mouse
Opening tabs and surfing between them in your Internet browser
Typing an email
Creating a spreadsheet
Editing photos or videos
Playing a game, listening to music, or watching a video

Why adding memory helps your computer

The more memory you have, the more resources your system has at its disposal, meaning it can do things faster and handle more things at once. Adding more memory is a straightforward way to fix problems with slow performance when switching between apps and slow response times.

Upgrading your memory may sound intimidating, but it's actually quite easy. With a screwdriver, your owner's manual and a good how-to video, you can install new memory in just a few minutes. No computer tech required.

Crucial RAM installed in a computer

The bottom line – what to do if your computer is running slow

You don't have to make monumental changes to fix a slow computer. Just a few small, manageable changes that deliver immediate and lasting results.

Why my laptop is running slow

A slow computer is likely because you have too many programs running. This takes up a lot of processing power and impacts performance and speed. There are two ways to fix this: firstly, decreasing the number of programs running, and secondly, increasing your computers memory and processing power.